I think it's important to keep in mind that animals, like humans, have differences between individuals - both in terms of preferences and in terms of health. Some dogs do well on a vegetarian or vegan diet, some don't. Some cats can live on a vegan diet supplemented in taurine, most don't.
I am a vegan for the animals and for the environment. I don't have any pets right now, but if I did, here's what I'd do:
I'd start my dog on a vegan diet - mix of dry pet food and homemade food - and monitor their health. In case of problems, I'd supplement with eggs. If it wasn't enough, I'd supplement with chicken meat and small fish, since they're the meats with the lowest environmental impact.
I'd mostly feed my cat cheap cuts of fish. I heard too many sad, failed stories of vegan cats to give it a try. In Asia the human consumption of fish and seafood is huge, with masive waste. I'd feel I wouldn't have so bad an impact by using up less desired products and by-products of this industry.
These are the results of my personal reflexion. They might change with time and don't reflect those of all vegans by any means.
|